Lab Specialist - State Prog Admin Sr

Working Title: Lab Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior

Agency: Cannabis Management Office

• Job ID : 97646

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 10/10/2026

• Closing Date : 10/26/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Cannabis Management Office / Cannabis Mgt Off - MAPE

• Division/Unit : Cannabis Management Office-OCM / Compliance Manager Staff

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25%

• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Lab Specialist serves as a key member of the Enforcement & Compliance Division, providing technical and program administration support for Minnesota’s cannabis testing and surveillance systems. This position is responsible for monitoring testing data in METRC, supporting implementation of the Surveillance Testing Program, and ensuring licensed cannabis testing laboratories operate incompliance with state law, rule, and industry standards.

The incumbent functions as a subject matter expert on laboratory testing requirements, sampling procedures, and data interpretation. This role works closely with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Cannabis Reference Laboratory, licensed testing facilities, internal compliance staff, and other regulatory partners. Duties include reviewing and interpreting test results, identifying anomalies, providing technical assistance, planning surveillance sampling, and contributing to program policies, procedures, and training.

This position is telework eligible and requires three (3) days in office per week.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Three (3) years of experience in program administration, regulatory compliance, data analysis, or quality systems management in a laboratory testing environment;

• A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience

• An Associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience

Candidates must demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Experience and/or knowledge interpreting or applying statute, rule(s), technical standards, or regulatory requirements.

• Experience and/or knowledge reviewing, analyzing, or interpreting data, technical reports, or similar documents.

• Experience and/or knowledge with program implementation, monitoring, compliance, or quality assurance.

• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to varied audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a regulatory, compliance, or laboratory oversight environment.

• Experience interpreting or reviewing laboratory test results, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), Method validation reports, or similar technical documentation.

• Knowledge of analytical testing methods or quality systems used in cannabis, food, environmental, or similar laboratory settings.

• Experience with METRC or another seed-to-sale, inventory, or tracking database.

• Experience developing training materials, technical guidance, or standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Experience collaborating with external partners such as laboratories, state agencies, regulated entities, or industry groups.

• Experience with method development or method validation in a technical setting

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

• Employment Reference Check

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal Background Check

• Valid Driver’s License Check

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.